Matt Buschmann | Starting Pitcher

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Athletics signed RHP Matt Buschmann to a minor league contract.

The 29-year-old has spent eight seasons in the minors, owning a 66-52 record and 4.05 ERA. Last season he had a 2.86 ERA in 160 2/3 innings over two levels in the Rays' system. He'll serve as pitching depth for the A's. Wed, Nov 20, 2013 06:50:00 PM

Rays signed RHP Matt Buschmann to a minor league contract.

Buschmann, 28, posted a 3.89 ERA in 22 starts (141 innings) at the Rays' Double-A affiliate last season. He has yet to make his major league debut and will continue to serve as organizational depth. Fri, Nov 23, 2012 11:31:00 AM

Rays acquired RHP Matt Buschmann from the Nationals for cash; assigned him to Double-A Montgomery.

Buschmann, 28, has yet to make an appearance in the major leagues and registered a brutal 7.31 ERA across 88 2/3 innings last year at the Triple-A level. It's not clear what the Rays want with the right-hander. Mon, Apr 16, 2012 08:43:00 AM

Depth Charts

Athletics manager Bob Melvin said Friday that Stephen Vogt (foot) won't catch at the beginning of the Cactus League schedule.

That's been the anticipation. Vogt also will not play first base or the outfield at all during spring training as he works his way back from foot surgery. However, the A's are just being cautious here, as they fully expect him to be ready for Opening Day. Vogt is set to serve as the club's primary catcher in 2015.

Sean Nolin (hernia) is currently throwing from a distance of 180 feet.

Nolin had offseason hernia surgery and is still feeling some tenderness, so the A's are backing off a bit. The 24-year-old hoped to be in the mix for a rotation spot this spring, but he'll now be significantly behind the other pitchers in camp. Look for him to begin the year in Triple-A.

Parker, who is now almost a year removed from Tommy John surgery, threw 43 pitches in a bullpen session Tuesday without incident. He threw fastballs, changeups, and curveballs in the session. Interestingly, he's not incorporating sliders right now and even indicated that he could come back without the pitch.

Griffin, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, threw fastballs and changeups. However, he also mixed in some curveballs during a flat-ground session. The A's are hopeful the young right-hander will be ready to contribute around midseason.

Sean Doolittle was encouraged by strength tests on his left shoulder Saturday.

Doolittle still isn't cleared to begin throwing, but the encouraging results could open the door for him to start throwing in the next week or two. The southpaw likely won't be ready for the start of the season, but assuming things continue to progress he should be ready to return sometime in April. Until then, Tyler Clippard will likely serve as the Athletics' closer.

Athletics placed RHP Taylor Thompson on the 60-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain.

The move clears a 40-man roster spot for reliever Chad Smith, who was claimed off waivers from the Tigers on Thursday afternoon. Thompson injured his shoulder shortly after arriving at A's camp. He had been in consideration for a bullpen job after posting a strong 2.14 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 59 innings last season at the Triple-A level.